Tinubu Declares Security Emergency, Orders Additional Recruitment Into Police, Armed Forces
By Sunday Etuka
Worried by the escalating security threats in the country, President Bola Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency, and ordered additional recruitment into the Police and Armed Forces.
By this declaration, the police and the army are authorised to recruit more personnel. The police would recruit an additional 20,000 officers, bringing the total to 50,000.
President Tinubu who made the declaration on Wednesday, said although he had previously approved the nationwide upgrade of police training facilities, the police authorities are, by the declaration, authorised to use various National Youth Service Corps camps as training depots.
TheFact Daily reports that the President while sympathising with the families who have lost their loved ones in recent attacks on soft targets in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States, also paid tribute to the brave soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
He said the officers being withdrawn from VIP guard duties should undergo crash training to debrief them and deliver more efficient police services when deployed to security-challenged areas of the country.
Tinubu also authorized the DSS to immediately deploy all the forest guards already trained to flush out the terrorists and bandits lurking in nation’s forests.
“The agency also has my directive to recruit more men to man the forests. There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil,” he added.
Tinubu urged Nigerians to collectively work towards securing the nation, noting that the government was responding to the crisis by deploying more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged areas.
He commended the
security agencies for working together to secure the release of the 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and the 38 worshippers in Kwara State. Adding the government would continue to sustain the efforts to rescue the remaining students of Catholic School in Niger State and other Nigerians still being held hostage.
“To the leadership and rank and file of our Armed Forces, I commend your courage and your sacrifice. This is a challenging moment for our nation and for the military institution itself.
“I charge you to remain resolute, to restore peace across all theatres of operation, and to uphold the highest standards of discipline and integrity.
“There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence. The Nigerian people are counting on you, and this administration will provide the support you need to succeed,” he said.
In addition, he said the administration would support state governments which have set up security outfits to safeguard their people from the terrorists bent on disrupting national peace.
President Tinubu called on the National Assembly to begin reviewing the laws to allow states that require state police to establish them.
“States should rethink establishing boarding schools in remote areas without adequate security. Mosques and churches should constantly seek police and other security protection when they gather for prayers, especially in vulnerable areas,” he added.
The President noted that the administration created the Livestock Ministry to address the persistent clashes between herders and farmers. Therefore, called on all herder associations to take advantage of it, end open grazing and surrender illegal weapons.
“Ranching is now the path forward for sustainable livestock farming and national harmony. The Federal Government, in collaboration with the states, will work with you to solve this problem, once and for all,” he said.
President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s courage and determination to keep the country safe and ensure the citizens live in peace.
